New year beach bum mode

[Jackleman]

OK, last year I did a bit of a tour round SE Asia taking in Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand and loved it.

So I am thinking I want find some nice chilled out beaches in some different locations this year.

I am looking for places where I will meet other people easily, cheap food and drink and close to the beach. I have done Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Railay beach in Thailand. I would like to find some other places like Koh Lanta.

I am also thinking about heading to Cambodia for a while, has anyone been to SihanoukVille.

Any ideas on laid back places with cold beer, good food in this part of the world would be welcomed, I am looking to head out there for about 6 weeks from the end of January 2011.

[rah1888]

I've been to Ko Phangan a few times. Whilst it is home to the infamous Full Moon parties, there are other parts of the island which are far more relaxed and laidback. A friend of mine lives on the north of the island in a place called Chaloklum, which is really a tiny village that the full moon crowd tend to avoid.

[Jackleman]

Thanks for that tip, anyone else got any good recommendations of beach hang-outs?

Would love to hear anything on Cambodia and Southern 'Nam, also off the beaten tracks in Thailand?

Cheers

[Bing o]

Jackleman said:

Thanks for that tip, anyone else got any good recommendations of beach hang-outs?

Would love to hear anything on Cambodia and Southern 'Nam, also off the beaten tracks in Thailand?

Cheers

SihanoukVille sounds great, my mates loved it. Cambodia was awesome, and if you want Southern Vietnam tips, look up PHer phumy for the inside track on the Mekong and Southern 'nam.

(I still owe him a beer or ten for his help so far).

[Nobby Diesel]

Koh Tao, especially if you like a bit of diving or snorkelling.
Koh Racha is good too.
On the other side of Thailand, Khoa Lak was a beautiful place. Haven't been there post tsunami, but I imagine it's back to its best.